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Refusing to accept the suicide attack on an army camp in Jammu as part of a 'freedom struggle', US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca on Wednesday said that such acts would not help ease tensions between Indian and Pakistan.
Rounding up her two-day visit to New Delhi on Wednesday morning, Rocca said that the US continues to be worried about a potential conflict between India and Pakistan.
While in India, she had discussed various 'options' available to defuse the military stand off with Indian officials, Rocca told reporters in Delhi before leaving for Pakistan.
As of now, there is no indication of Rocca being able to achieve a breakthrough with India, in fact, having toughened its stand saying there is an end to its patience.
"We (the US) need to get them (Pakistan) to take action that might avoid a possible confrontation between the two countries," Rocca told reporters in Delhi when asked what message she would convey to President Musharraf.
Terming the terrorist attack in Jammu as 'unacceptable', Rocca said, "It didn't help bring down the level of tension."
"Acts like these are terrorism," Rocca said when asked if she looks at Tuesday's suicide attack as part of a 'freedom struggle' in Kashmir.
"They are intended only to undermine peace in the region. It makes us more determined to fight terrorism," she added.
"My current mission to help reduce tension between India and Pakistan is separate from our campaign in Afghanistan. But terrorism is terrorism."
"Terrorism against any country is part of the war against terrorism. Terrorism against India is as unacceptable as it is against America or any other country," Rocca said.
Rocca denied that the US administration was unable to focus on South Asia because of its engagements in West Asia.
"We are trying to work closely with India and Pakistan and encouraging them to talk," Rocca said.
Ultimately, outstanding issues between India and Pakistan need to resolved bilaterally, she added.
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